Modified and translated by CFJA
2) The Relationship Between Eating and Breathing
Breathing helps “connect the mind and body.” In “The Meaning of Eating,” I mentioned that eating is an act to balance the mind and body and maintain health, and breathing is perhaps the most essential act to achieve this.
Many people have experienced feeling overly full and unable to move after quickly devouring a meal without breathing properly. When “desire” takes over, we focus only on physical satisfaction, leaving the mind behind.
Eating slowly, paying attention to each breath and chewing thoroughly, not only enhances the taste but also aids digestion. It sends signals throughout the body that blood sugar levels are rising, allowing us to stop eating at a comfortable point. The Japanese style of eating is well-suited for balancing the mind and body.
In Japan, saying “Itadakimasu” before a meal not only fosters gratitude and focus but also helps control desire by releasing a breath. By being mindful of breathing, we can concentrate on chewing. Although there are many eating customs, focusing on breathing allows us to eat calmly. By saying “Gochisousama” after a meal, we can exhale, bringing mental stability and preparing for the next activities with a calm mind.
The relationship between eating and breathing is inseparable. If we can synchronize our breathing with bodily movements, we can live with a calm and steady heart.
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